Building Stronger Communities Through Connection: Rhonda Currie’s Mission of Service and Youth Empowerment
In communities across Illinois, meaningful change often begins with people who are willing to connect others, build partnerships, and invest in future generations. For Rhonda Currie, Fundraising Director for the Illinois Coalition for Community Services, that mission has become both a career and a calling.
A native of Kankakee, Currie’s roots in the community run deep. Although she relocated briefly during her youth, she eventually returned permanently in 2013 after attending Eastern Illinois University. Today, her commitment to the area is driven not only by her personal connection to Kankakee, but also by her belief in the power of unity.
“I believe in the power of people coming together with a shared purpose,” Currie said. “When we unify in positive ways, we can create meaningful opportunities for youth and future generations.”
Currie’s passion for youth outreach was solidified early in her professional journey while working with Girl Scouts of Central Illinois, formerly known as Girl Scouts–Green Meadows Council. Through the CU One-to-One Mentoring Program, she was paired with a third-grade student named Anika; an experience that would leave a lasting impact.
“While I had always enjoyed working with youth, that experience truly solidified my passion for outreach and access,” Currie explained. “Bringing programs directly to youth at no cost became something I deeply believed in.”
Even after moving away from the Champaign-Urbana area, Currie maintained her connection with Anika throughout high school and into adulthood. Seeing her former mentee now thriving as a parent continues to inspire her dedication to community service and violence prevention efforts.
For the past 13 years, Currie has focused much of her work on violence prevention among youth and young adults in Kankakee County. She believes that
providing young people with resources, mentorship, and opportunities can help them envision a brighter future and choose positive paths forward.
As the first-ever Fundraising Director for the Illinois Coalition for Community Services, Currie faced the challenge of building the role from the ground up. One of the biggest obstacles, she said, has been changing how people view fundraising.
“Not everyone feels comfortable with fundraising or sees it as part of their role,” she said. “I’ve worked to reframe fundraising as relationship-building rather than simply asking for money.”
Currie believes impactful fundraising starts with authentic conversations and community engagement. By encouraging others to see themselves as partners in the mission, she has helped foster a more collaborative and supportive approach to advancing programs that serve youth and families throughout Illinois.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Currie was honored as the inaugural Woman of the Year by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Delta Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter. While grateful for the recognition, she says the true reward lies in the relationships formed and the lives impacted through her efforts.
“The award itself comes second to the impact of the work,” Currie said. “The relationships built and the support provided to communities are what matter most.”
Looking ahead, Currie hopes to see continued investment in violence prevention initiatives throughout Kankakee County. She emphasizes the importance of supporting grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and frontline workers with sustainable funding, training, and development opportunities.
“Strengthening these areas will help build a more proactive, supportive, and resilient community,” she said.
Currie also encourages residents to become involved in the mission of the Illinois Coalition for Community Services through volunteerism, partnerships, and financial support. Donations can be made through the organization’s website at www.iccscares.org/donate or by mailing a check to:
Illinois Coalition for Community Services
Attn: Garry Klasing
400 Chatham Road, Suite 201
Springfield, IL 62704
The Illinois Coalition for Community Services will host its first-ever “Glo Bingo” fundraiser on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Eurma C. Hayes Center in Carbondale.
The event will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:00 p.m.
Pre-sale tickets are available online for $25, plus a $2 processing fee. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door for $35 between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Snacks and bar service will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will support ICCS programming, including a 24/7 youth crisis response line, after-school and youth development initiatives, and community-based support services that help young people and families access resources while remaining safely connected to their communities. These programs serve youth and families across Southern Illinois. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Illinois.
In addition to Glo Bingo, the event will feature a 50/50 raffle and an online silent auction. Community members and local businesses are encouraged to support the event through sponsorships or silent auction donations.
For those interested in ICCS local involvement opportunities, community members can connect with Community Youth Services–Youth Resource Advocate Kephren Lee (Kephren@iccscares.org) to learn more about supporting youth and violence prevention efforts in the Kankakee community.
